Descriptions

To date, academic research relating to Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) has largely focused
on resource assessment, technical viability and environmental impact. Experiences from
onshore renewable energy tell us that social acceptability is equally critical to project
success. However, the specific nature of the marine environment, patterns of resource
distribution and governance means experiences from onshore may not be directly
applicable to MRE and the marine environment. This paper sets out an agenda for social
studies research linked to MRE, identifying key topics for future research: (i) economic
impacts; (ii) wealth distribution & community benefits; (iii) communication & knowledge
flow; (iv) consultation processes; (v) dealing with uncertainty; (vi) public attitudes; and (vii)
planning processes. This agenda is based on the findings of the first workshop of ISSMER, an
international research network of social scientists with interests in marine renewable
energy. Importantly, this research agenda has been informed by the experiences of
developers, regulators and community groups in Orkney. The Orkney archipelago, off the
north coast of Scotland, is home to the most intense cluster of MRE research, development
and deployment activity in the world today.